Old Town Nice on a quiet Sunday
This past month has been by far the most jam-packed 30 days I’ve ever experienced. I have seen and done more new things in the past month than ever thought possible. Study abroad essentially should be called “vacation every weekend,” as it is the perfect description of “work hard, play hard.”
Small restaurant with panoramic views in Corniglia, Cinque Terre
Out of all the places I’ve gone, I can’t even begin to pick a favorite—all were incredible! I always return home saying “no, that one was my favorite.” The month started with a trip to Viareggio and then to Cinque Terre. Next, I headed to Maremma, Giglio Island and Volterra in Tuscany. The following weekend I left Italy and went to the French Riviera including Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco and Eze. I then went on a bike trip to Lucca and explored Pisa for a day. This past weekend was spent on the Amalfi Coast in the beautiful southern region of Italy seeing four different towns.
Beautiful alley in Pisa
On top of traveling, I am constantly exploring on my own. I am trying to make sure to save time to experience even the smallest things Florence has to offer. I don’t want to miss out on the long list of Florence must see’s. I am fortunate to be in multiple classes that weekly take me out into the city. My History of Italian Gardens class has already had two on-site visits to centuries-old Renaissance gardens. My Typography II class has taken a walking tour around the city to analyze different typographic styles used in street signage. As the name indicates, my Landscape & Architecture Photography class requires plenty of exploring. I love these little excursions, as they only help me to see new things in the streets that I roam daily.
Food wise, with a month under my belt, I have started to frequent a few of my favorite places in town. I have found an incredible pastry shop within seconds from my apartment. Next door, is a world-renowned chocolate shop. Needless to say, I am a becoming a familiar face at these two delicious places.
Boats at Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
I can already feel this experience slipping through my hands. With this feeling of urgency at the forefront of my mind, I am working on being intentional with every moment of my time. There is an incredible amount to see and do during any study abroad experience. Realizing that I won’t be able to do everything, I am doing my best to just enjoy the ride. This helps to relax me, taking the stress off “sightseeing” and allowing me to integrate myself in the Italian culture—one day at a time, with coffee in hand.
Elite Men UCI World Championships in Florence
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Laura is a student at Lipscomb University studying at Florence University of the Arts during the Fall 2013 term.
